Piedmont Park was buzzing with energy on Saturday as hundreds gathered for the rescheduled 33rd Annual AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival and 5K Run, headlined by Lil’ Kim.
Source: Lauryn Bass
As previously reported, the walk was originally postponed due to Hurricane Helene but returned stronger than ever, blending awareness, community support, and entertainment, and when Lil’ Kim hit the stage, it was nothing short of a popping show.
With dancers, dramatic smoke effects, and her undeniable stage presence, Lil’ Kim owned the crowd from the moment she stepped on stage. Her performance was a visual spectacle, complete with lights, pyrotechnics, and a backup crew that kept the audience hyped throughout the show.
“The Queen Bee” dropped hit after hit, leaving fans in awe as they celebrated both the cause and the culture, but it wasn’t just about the music. This event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness, particularly in Atlanta, which continues to face some of the highest rates of new diagnoses.
Source: Lauryn Bass
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta ranks among the U.S. cities with the highest HIV rates, with an estimated 1 in 51 people living with HIV in the metro area.
BOSSIP’s own Lauryn Bass was on the ground, not only covering the event but also speaking with notable figures in attendance. One of those voices was Gary With Da Tea from the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, who helped host the event and brought his signature charm to the occasion.
In an exclusive interview with Lauryn, Gary shared his enthusiasm about the day, saying, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and we gonna all still be neighbors.”
Gary’s message was simple yet impactful: it’s time to raise awareness about the resources available for people living with HIV. Especially as Atlanta is continuing to grow into an epicenter that many are relocating to.
“A lot of people don’t know about the different resources that they can get,” he explained. “My advice is to connect with AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation). They have a lot of resources, and it’s all right there. Honey, just Google it—it’s at your fingertips.”
A Day Full Of Resources And Support
One of the most important aspects of AIDS Walk Atlanta was the plethora of resources available to attendees. Numerous vendors and organizations set up booths, offering free HIV testing, educational materials, and wellness kits.
Source: Lauryn Bass
Among those advocating for support was Dr. Cassandra Kidd, who spoke with Lauryn Bass about the need to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV and encourage more people to get tested.
“It’s a pleasure to be able to get out and support the Atlanta community, especially with the HIV rates close to South Sahara Africa down here in Atlanta, Georgia,” Dr. Kidd stated. “The biggest thing I’ve seen is that people are afraid to know their status, and we’re here to support you.”
Dr. Kidd works with Atlanta HIV, a testing facility in Rockdale County, where they provide HIV and STD testing, consultations, and mental health support. “We test them in 60 seconds, and you’ll know your status on the spot,” she explained.
Dr. Kidd also highlighted the common symptoms she’s seen in patients who have tested positive for HIV, such as “symptoms on the hands and fingers, thrush in the mouth, and flu-like symptoms that just won’t go away.”
Her message was clear: early testing and diagnosis can save lives, and there are resources available to help at every stage.
Lil’ Kim’s Show-Stopping Performance And Festival Vibes
Source: Lauryn Bass
The walk itself went smoothly, with participants weaving through Piedmont Park “The Meadow.”
Attendees could be found decked out in face paint, colorful T-shirts, and loads of energy. The atmosphere was festive, with booths offering freebies like water bottles, T-shirts, and branded merchandise.
But the buzz of the day was Lil’ Kim’s performance. As smoke billowed across the stage, the Queen Bee delivered an unforgettable set with electrifying dancers and visuals that had the crowd mesmerized. Her high-energy performance was the perfect closing act for a day dedicated to both celebration and awareness.
Fighting Stigma And Raising Awareness
As Dr. Cassandra Kidd pointed out, one of the most important messages of the day was fighting the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Source: Lauryn Bass
“People are being treated as if they are contagious, but they’re human beings. It takes just one time for you to be associated with the stigma, so make sure you respect everyone and treat everyone fairly,” Dr. Kidd said.
As she was referencing the large “Stop the Stigma” signs displayed throughout the event, it was clear that this day was also important for representation, inclusion and community.
This message was echoed by Gary With Da Tea, who shared his hope.
“Somebody, honey, is touched and gets the help that they need. A lot of people don’t realize the resources they could have, and just coming to this event, honey, you can definitely find all the help you need.”
Making A Difference
The 33rd Annual AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival and 5k Run raised over $1 million for 13 local organizations, including AID Atlanta, Georgia Equality, and the Trans Women of Color Healing Project, all of which provide critical support for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in Atlanta.
The event served not only as a platform for entertainment but also as a space for education, advocacy, and change. By bringing together people from all walks of life, the day proved that the fight against HIV/AIDS is stronger than ever.
Stay tuned for more exclusive post-event video coverage from BOSSIP’s Lauryn Bass on Instagram.
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